The School of Public Policy offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). The M.P.A program provides students with a dynamic and integrated approach to the field of public management. It prepares students for leadership positions in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. It is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). A Fast-Track to the M.P.A. program is also available to currently enrolled University of Connecticut undergraduate students; this program enables students to take graduate level courses while completing their undergraduate degree. Fast-Track students can take enough credits as an undergraduate student to complete the M.P.A. degree in one year. Up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework included on the student’s undergraduate plan of study can also be used toward the master’s degree as part of the Fast-Track.

Master of Public Administration Requirements

The M.P.A. degree is comprised of 42 credits. These credits include 24 credits of core coursework (eight courses), 12 credits of electives (four courses), six credits of internship and a zero credit professional development course.

Master of Public Administration Fellows Track. The Fellows track within the M.P.A. degree program is designed specifically to develop sophisticated and conscientious managers who have the needed skills and competencies to be effective leaders. Individuals in public, nonprofit or private sector organizations with at least three years of professional experience are eligible for the Fellows program. Students earn an M.P.A. degree. The Fellows track of the M.P.A. program consists of 36 credits: eight core M.P.A. courses (24 credits), elective credits (12 credits), and a capstone portfolio (zero credit). The M.P.A. program’s internship requirement and the required zero credit professional development course are waived for M.P.A. Fellows.

Master of Public Administration Required Core Courses: PP 5340, 5345, 5361, 5364, 5365, 5370, 5375, and 5376 to total 24 credits.

Focus Area. Students complete 12 credits of electives in areas that support their career goals. Nine credits of electives are used toward a focus area. M.P.A. focus areas include executive leadership (Fellows track only); law and public policy; nonprofit management; public financial management; public policy; state and local government management; social policy; public policy, diversity, and inclusion; survey research; and urban planning. Working with their advisor, students may choose to pursue a more generalist approach and select electives across multiple areas or to create their own focus area.

Internship. Six credits of PP 5390.

The program is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.